SRC-SLL S.B. 1958 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1958 By: Luna Jurisprudence 5-17-97 As Filed DIGEST No new county courts at law have been authorized in Bexar County since 1985. Since then, the population has increased, resulting in a decreasing ration of judges to population. At the same time, dockets have grown and caseloads have become more complex. These factors have led to substantial backlogs. This bill will provide regulations regarding the creation of three county courts at law in Bexar County. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1958 provides regulations regarding the creation of three county courts at law in Bexar County. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 25.0171(b), Government Code, to provide that Bexar County has a County Courts at Law Nos. 10, 11, and 12 of Bexar County. SECTION 2. Amends Section 25.0172, Government Code, by adding Subsection (a) and (b), and amending Subsections (c), (d), (l), (n), (o), (u), and (v), to require the County Court at Law No. 10 to give preference to civil cases. Requires the County Court at Law No. 11 to give preference to juvenile cases and misdemeanor cases. Requires County Courts at Law Nos. 11 and 12 to give preference to criminal cases and appeals de novo from the municipal and justice courts. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 3. Provides that the County Courts at Law Nos. 10, 11, and 12 of Bexar County, Texas are created and shall be filled by election. Provides that the offices of the judges of County Courts at Law Nos. 10, 11, and 12 exist for purposes of the primary and general election in 1998 and are to be filled January 1, 1999. Provides that vacancies after the initial vacancies are filled until the next election by the Commissioners Court of Bexar County. SECTION 4. Emergency clause. Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.